Unit 5 Notes: The Large Intestine

(1) Large Intestine Regions Cecum = 1st Chamber Ascending Colon = Upwards Transverse Colon = Across Descending Colon = Downwards Rectum & Anus

(2) That Appendix Sits beneath cecum Often collects waste and bacteria  Appendicitis Functions: Produces white blood cells and antibodies for immunity. Used to serve a role in cellulose digestion.

(3) Passing Through the Colon… Waste slowly moves through Large Intestine. Total Length = 1.5-2m long Water reabsorbed through microvilli. Result = Solidified waste mass (Feces)

(4) The Rectum & Anus Rectum = Inside part Anus = Outside part = Butthole Mechanism: Remaining waste drops first into rectum Lands on top of Involuntary Sphincter Opens w/pressure Lands on top of Voluntary Sphincter Made of Skeletal Muscle that you control

(5) Diarrhea Watery fecal waste. Initiated when you eat something harmful or irritating. Waste is forced through intestines too fast: Water cannot be absorbed from waste solution. Waste exits body extremely liquid-y.

(6) Constipation Backed up fecal waste in the large intestine. Typically the result of: Overly fatty and dense waste. Dehydration and extremely dry, brittle waste. Waste becomes unable to easily slide through intestines.

(7) Hernia When a small portion of the intestine tears through the abdominal muscle. The curl of the intestine shows directly under top layer of skin. Usually the result of excessive abdominal contracting and/or force. Chunk of intestine must be surgically placed back into abdominal cavity, underneath muscle.

(8) Hemorrhoids Rupturing of anal cavity blood vessels: Typically balloon out of the anus. However sometimes can impact colon. Usually caused by excessive anal force or exertion… Example: During times of crazy pooping (usually after constipation…. Yeah… I said “crazy pooping”).

(9) Canker Sore Open wound or ulcer inside the mouth. Result of excessive acid eating away at the oral tissue. Can Be Caused By: Stress Excessive bacterial growth (producing more acid) Eating too much acidic food

(10) Ulcer Same as a canker sore, but in the stomach. Same causes as with canker sores.

(12) Crohn’s Disease Autoimmune disease. Causes white blood cells to attack intestinal cells. This causes sensitivity and inflammation of the intestines. Makes it difficult to properly metabolize food, absorb nutrients, water, and excrete waste.

(13) Vomiting The opposite of diarrhea. Caused by eating something irritating or harmful. Body prevents full digestion and absorption, ejecting food out of the stomach and mouth.

(14) Heartburn The feeling of acid burning the esophageal tissue, around the heart-chest-cavity. Due to a loose esophageal sphincter: Stomach acid is able to easily spit out and up into the esophagus. Can be caused by a structural defect, or eating certain preservatives/spices.